Hello,
I am new to the forum and very interested in hearing people's recommendations for my next vehicle. I live where there is heavy snow in the winter time which means I need a reliable 4X4 because I may be snowed in at any time. During the nice months off roading is common and so I would prefer an older vehicle so that I can safely abuse it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grin.gif) I do need to have the option to haul and tow various materials. Could I please get thoughts on which model and year would be most appropriate for my needs? Oh yes, and I want it to be manual. The more control I have the better. Thanks for your time!

Since you want to be able to tow and haul as well as abuse, I'd suggest an older Taco with the 3.4 V6 (96+) as a minimum. Later years have a 4.0 V6 or you could get a larger Tundra with a V8.

Oh yeah, 96-2000 Tacos can have a serious frame rot problem, so if considering one, check the frame thoroughly.

Thanks so much for the info. I was leaning towards a tacoma but really not familiar enough to make an educated opinion. At least now I have a good start.

If you do consider a Taco, make sure to check for frame rot as stated above and try to get one that's been in the West or Southwest where rust isn't so much of a problem.

Depends on how old you are willing to go, where I live in Alaska some guys will about do anything to get their hands on a 79-83 4x4 pickup, the old 22r engines are hard to kill and the truck is light enough for summertime mudding and can be weighted down for slippery stuff, and personally I think they have a sweet body style too.